Furniture Member With Foldable Pawl And Ratchet Assembly

ABSTRACT

A rocking furniture member may include a base frame, a seat assembly, a legrest mechanism, and a pawl assembly. The seat assembly may include a ratchet rack having a plurality of teeth. The pawl assembly may include a support link, a pawl arm, and an actuation link. The support link is rotatably coupled to the base frame. The pawl arm is rotatably attached to the support link and selectively engages one of the ratchet teeth. The actuation link may be attached to the pawl arm and may be coupled to the legrest mechanism such that movement of the legrest mechanism into the extended position moves the pawl arm into engagement with the ratchet rack and movement of the legrest mechanism toward the retracted position causes rotation of the pawl arm relative to the support link and disengages the pawl arm from the ratchet rack.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a furniture member with a foldablepawl and ratchet assembly.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

Furniture members such as chairs, sofas, loveseats, sectionals, and thelike can include a mechanism that allows an occupant of the furnituremember to move a legrest panel or platform from a stowed or retractedposition to a deployed or extended position to support the legs and/orfeet of the occupant. Some furniture members include rocker assembliesthat allow for one or more seat assemblies to rock between arearward-tilt or rocked-back position and a rocked-forward tiltposition.

The present disclosure provides a furniture member having rockerassemblies and an extendable legrest. The furniture member of thepresent disclosure also includes a pawl assembly that locks the seatassembly in a selected tilt position when the occupant moves the legresttoward the extended position. This allows the occupant to select aposition of the furniture member that provides optimal comfort for anygiven occupant on any given occasion.

The pawl assembly of the present disclosure reduces the force requiredto unlock or release the seat assembly and retract the legrest mechanismto allow the seat assembly to freely rock. The pawl assembly of thepresent disclosure also reduces the level of noise associated withreleasing the seat assembly.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

The present disclosure provides a furniture member that may include abase frame, a seat assembly, a legrest mechanism, and a pawl assembly.The seat assembly may include a seat frame, a seat bottom, and a seatback. The seat assembly may be movable relative to the base framebetween a nominal position and a rearward-tilt position. The seat framemay include a ratchet rack having a plurality of ratchet teeth. Thelegrest mechanism may be mounted to the seat assembly and is movablerelative to the seat assembly between a retracted position and anextended position. The pawl assembly may include a support link, a pawlarm, and an actuation link. The support link is rotatably coupled to thebase frame. The pawl arm is rotatably attached to the support link andselectively engages one of the ratchet teeth. The actuation link may beattached to the pawl arm and may be coupled to the legrest mechanismsuch that movement of the legrest mechanism into the extended positionmoves the pawl arm into engagement with the ratchet rack and movement ofthe legrest mechanism toward the retracted position causes rotation ofthe pawl arm relative to the support link and disengages the pawl armfrom the ratchet rack.

In some configurations, an end of the pawl arm engages a tooth of theratchet rack when the legrest mechanism is in the extended position, andthe end of the pawl arm rotates along the tooth of the ratchet rack todisengage the pawl arm from the ratchet rack as the legrest mechanismmoves toward the retracted position.

In some configurations, an end of the pawl arm selectively engages oneof the ratchet teeth.

In some configurations, the pawl arm includes a first location at whichthe pawl arm is rotatably attached to the support link and a secondlocation at which the actuation link is rotatably attached to the pawlarm. The first location may be disposed between the second location andthe end of the pawl arm.

In some configurations, the pawl assembly includes a first springrotationally biasing the support link relative to the base frame and asecond spring rotationally biasing the pawl arm relative to the supportlink.

In some configurations, the support link includes a protrusion.

In some configurations, the pawl arm includes a recess.

In some configurations, when the pawl arm is in a first rotationalposition relative to the support link, a portion of the protrusion isreceived within the recess and contacts a surface of the pawl armdefining the recess. When the pawl arm is in a second rotationalposition relative to the support link, the portion of the surface of theprotrusion is disposed outside of the recess and is spaced apart fromthe surface of the pawl arm defining the recess.

In some configurations, the protrusion is formed from a first material,and a body of the support link to which the protrusion is attached isformed from a second material that is different than the first material.

In some configurations, the first material is an elastomeric material ora polymeric material.

In some configurations, the seat assembly is free to rock relative tothe base frame between the nominal and rearward-tilt positions when thelegrest mechanism is in the retracted position. Engagement between thepawl arm and one of the ratchet teeth restricts rocking relative to thebase frame between the nominal and rearward-tilt positions when thelegrest mechanism is in the extended position.

In some configurations, the seat frame includes a bracket having a firstbracket end and a second bracket end. The ratchet rack includes a firstrack end and a second rack end. A pin may extend through apertures inthe first bracket end and the first rack end. A tab formed on the secondrack end may be received in an aperture formed in the second bracketend.

In some configurations, the pawl arm is rotatable relative to thesupport link about a first rotational axis; the pawl arm and theactuation link are rotatable relative to each other about a secondrotational axis; and the first rotational axis is disposed verticallybetween the second rotational axis and an end of the pawl arm thatengages the ratchet rack.

In some configurations, the ratchet rack is formed from a differentmaterial than a material from which at least an end of the pawl arm isformed.

In another form, the present disclosure provides a furniture member thatmay include a base frame, a seat assembly, a legrest mechanism, and apawl assembly. The seat assembly may include a seat frame, a seatbottom, and a seat back. The seat assembly may be movable relative tothe base frame between a nominal position and a rearward-tilt position.The seat frame may include a ratchet rack having a plurality of ratchetteeth. The legrest mechanism may be mounted to the seat assembly and ismovable relative to the seat assembly between a retracted position andan extended position. The pawl assembly may include a support link and apawl arm. The support link is rotatably coupled to the base frame andincludes a protrusion. The pawl arm is rotatably attached to the supportlink and selectively engages one of the ratchet teeth. The pawl arm isrotatably relative to the support link between a first rotationalposition in which the protrusion contacts the pawl arm and a secondrotational position in which the protrusion is spaced apart from thepawl arm.

In some configurations, an end of the pawl arm engages a tooth of theratchet rack when the legrest mechanism is in the extended position, andthe end of the pawl arm rotates along the tooth of the ratchet rack todisengage the pawl arm from the ratchet rack as the legrest mechanismmoves toward the retracted position.

In some configurations, the protrusion is formed from a first material,and a body of the support link to which the protrusion is attached isformed from a second material that is different than the first material.

In some configurations, the pawl assembly includes an actuation linkthat is attached to the pawl arm and is coupled to the legrest mechanismsuch that movement of the legrest mechanism into the extended positionmoves the pawl arm into engagement with the ratchet rack and movement ofthe legrest mechanism toward the retracted position causes rotation ofthe pawl arm relative to the support link and disengages the pawl armfrom the ratchet rack.

In some configurations, the pawl arm includes a recess.

In some configurations, a portion of the protrusion is received withinthe recess when the pawl arm is in the first rotational position, andthe portion of the protrusion is disposed outside of the recess when thepawl arm is in the second rotational position.

In some configurations, an end of the pawl arm selectively engages oneof the ratchet teeth. The pawl arm may include a first location at whichthe pawl arm is rotatably attached to the support link and a secondlocation at which the actuation link is rotatably attached to the pawlarm. The first location may be disposed between the second location andthe end of the pawl arm.

In some configurations, the pawl assembly includes a first springrotationally biasing the support link relative to the base frame and asecond spring rotationally biasing the pawl arm relative to the supportlink.

In some configurations, the seat assembly is free to rock relative tothe base frame between the nominal and rearward-tilt positions when thelegrest mechanism is in the retracted position. Engagement between thepawl arm and one of the ratchet teeth restricts rocking relative to thebase frame between the nominal and rearward-tilt positions when thelegrest mechanism is in the extended position.

In some configurations, the seat frame includes a bracket having a firstbracket end and a second bracket end. The ratchet rack includes a firstrack end and a second rack end. A pin may extend through apertures inthe first bracket end and the first rack end. A tab formed on the secondrack end may be received in an aperture formed in the second bracketend.

In some configurations, the pawl assembly includes an actuation linkthat is attached to the support link and is coupled to the legrestmechanism such that movement of the legrest mechanism into the extendedposition moves the support link, which moves the pawl arm intoengagement with the ratchet rack. Movement of the legrest mechanismtoward the retracted position disengages the pawl arm from the ratchetrack.

In some configurations, the ratchet rack is formed from a differentmaterial than a material from which at least an end of the pawl arm isformed.

In another form, the present disclosure provides a furniture member thatmay include a base frame, a seat assembly, a legrest mechanism, and apawl assembly. The seat assembly may include a seat frame, a seatbottom, and a seat back. The seat assembly may be movable relative tothe base frame between a nominal position and a rearward-tilt position.The seat frame may include a ratchet rack having a plurality of ratchetteeth. The legrest mechanism may be mounted to the seat assembly and ismovable relative to the seat assembly between a retracted position andan extended position. The pawl assembly may include a support link, apawl arm, and an actuation link. The support link is rotatably coupledto the base frame. The pawl arm is rotatably attached to the supportlink and selectively engages one of the ratchet teeth. The actuationlink may be attached to the pawl arm and may be coupled to the legrestmechanism such that movement of the legrest mechanism into the extendedposition moves the pawl arm into engagement with the ratchet rack andmovement of the legrest mechanism toward the retracted position causesrotation of the pawl arm relative to the support link and disengages thepawl arm from the ratchet rack. A protrusion may extend from the supportlink in a direction perpendicular to an axis about which the pawl arm isrotatable relative to the support link. The pawl arm is rotatablyrelative to the support link between a first rotational position inwhich the protrusion contacts the pawl arm and a second rotationalposition in which the protrusion is spaced apart from the pawl arm.

In some configurations, an end of the pawl arm engages a tooth of theratchet rack when the legrest mechanism is in the extended position, andthe end of the pawl arm rotates along the tooth of the ratchet rack todisengage the pawl arm from the ratchet rack as the legrest mechanismmoves toward the retracted position.

In some configurations, the seat frame includes a bracket having a firstbracket end and a second bracket end. The ratchet rack includes a firstrack end and a second rack end. A pin may extend through apertures inthe first bracket end and the first rack end. A tab formed on the secondrack end may be received in an aperture formed in the second bracketend.

In some configurations, an end of the pawl arm selectively engages oneof the ratchet teeth. The pawl arm includes a first location at whichthe pawl arm is rotatably attached to the support link and a secondlocation at which the actuation link is rotatably attached to the pawlarm. The first location may be disposed between the second location andthe end of the pawl arm.

In some configurations, the pawl arm includes a recess.

In some configurations, a portion of the protrusion is received withinthe recess when the pawl arm is in the first rotational position, andthe portion of the protrusion is disposed outside of the recess when thepawl arm is in the second rotational position.

In some configurations, the pawl assembly includes a first springrotationally biasing the support link relative to the base frame and asecond spring rotationally biasing the pawl arm relative to the supportlink.

In some configurations, the pawl arm is rotatable relative to thesupport link about a first rotational axis; the pawl arm and theactuation link are rotatable relative to each other about a secondrotational axis; and the first rotational axis is disposed verticallybetween the second rotational axis and an end of the pawl arm thatengages the ratchet rack.

In some configurations, the ratchet rack is formed from a differentmaterial than a material from which at least an end of the pawl arm isformed.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a furniture member according to theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the furniture member with a seatassembly in a nominal position, a legrest mechanism in a retractedposition, and a pawl assembly in a disengaged position;

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the furniture member with the seatassembly in a rearward-tilt or rocked-back position, the legrestmechanism in an extended position, and the pawl assembly in an engagedposition;

FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the furniture member with the seatassembly in the rearward-tilt position, the legrest mechanismapproaching the retracted position, and the pawl assembly releasing fromthe engaged position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a ratchet rack and the pawl assembly inthe engaged position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pawl assembly in the position ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the ratchet rack and the pawl assemblyreleasing from the engaged position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the pawl assembly in theposition of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pawl assembly inthe position of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the ratchet rack;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another configuration of a ratchet rackand a bracket that can be incorporated into the furniture member of FIG.1;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the ratchet rack and bracketof FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side view of another configuration of a pawl assembly inthe engaged position;

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of the pawl assembly in theposition of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the pawl assembly of FIG. 13 releasing fromthe engaged position;

FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of the pawl assembly in theposition of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of the pawl assembly in theposition of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pawl assembly inthe position of FIG. 13;

FIG. 19 is a side view of another configuration of a pawl assembly inthe engaged position;

FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of the pawl assembly in theposition of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the pawl assembly of FIG. 19 releasing fromthe engaged position;

FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of the pawl assembly in theposition of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a portion of the pawl assembly in theposition of FIG. 21; and

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pawl assembly inthe position of FIG. 19.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled inthe art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many differentforms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes,well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are notdescribed in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element orlayer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engagedto,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

With reference to FIGS. 1-10, a furniture member 10 is provided that mayinclude a base frame 12, a seat assembly 14, a legrest mechanism 16, anda foldable pawl assembly 18. As will be described in more detail below,the seat assembly 14 is able to rock relative to the base frame 12 amonga nominal position (FIGS. 1 and 2), a rocked-back or rearward-tiltposition (FIGS. 3 and 4), and a rocked-forward tilt position (notshown). The legrest mechanism 16 is movable between a retracted position(FIGS. 1 and 2) and an extended position (FIG. 3) while the furnituremember 10 is in any of the nominal, rocked-back and rocked-forward tiltpositions (and in any tilt position between the rocked-back androcked-forward tilt positions). As shown in FIGS. 12-14, when thelegrest mechanism 16 is moved into the extended position (i.e., a fullyextended position or a partially extended position), the pawl assembly18 locks the seat assembly 14 into a selected tilt position (i.e., theseat assembly 14 is prevented from rocking forward relative to the baseframe 12). As the legrest mechanism 16 moves into the retractedposition, the pawl assembly 18 releases or unlocks the seat assembly 14relative to the base frame 12 to allow the seat assembly 14 to rockamong the nominal, rocked-back, and rocked-forward tilt positions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the base frame 12 may include plurality ofstationary beams including, for example, a pair of side support members20 and a pair of cross members 22. The cross members 22 are spaced apartfrom each other and are attached to and extend between the side supportmembers 20.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the seat assembly 14 may include a seat frame 28,a seatback 30, and a seat bottom 32. The seat frame 28 may include aplurality of armrests 36 and a seat base 38 that supports the seatback30, the seat bottom 32 and the legrest mechanism 16. As shown in FIGS.2-4, a pair of rocker members 42 (only one of which is shown in FIGS.2-4) may be attached to the seat base 38 and positioned on respectiveside support members 20 of the base frame 12 to allow the seat assembly14 to rock relative to the base frame 12 among the nominal, rocked-backand rocked-forward tilt positions.

A pair of springs (not shown) is attached via brackets to each of therocker members 42 and the corresponding side support members 20. Thesprings allow the rocker members 42 to rock on the side support members20 between the rocked-back and rocked-forward tilt positions whilebiasing the rocker members 42 (and hence, the seat assembly 14) towardthe nominal position (FIGS. 1 and 2). The rocker members 42 and springscould have the structure and function of those disclosed in Assignee'sU.S. Pat. No. 9,314,101, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference.

The seatback 30 may be rotatably coupled to the seat base 38 and seatbottom 32 to allow the seatback 30 to rotate relative to the seat frame28 and the seat bottom 32 between an upright position (e.g., FIGS. 1 and2) and a reclined position (shown). As the seatback 30 rotates relativeto the seat frame 28 from the upright position to the reclined position,the seat bottom 32 may move forward relative to the seat frame 28. Asthe seatback 30 rotates relative to the seat frame 28 from the reclinedposition to the upright position, the seat bottom 32 may move rearwardrelative to the seat frame 28.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the legrest mechanism 16 may include a drive rod64, a pair of pantograph linkages 66 (only one of which is shown in thefigures), and a legrest platform 67. The drive rod 64 may have a squareor rectangular cross section and may be rotatably supported by bearingsmounted to the seat base 38 and a brace member 60. A handle 68 (FIG. 1)is connected to an end of the drive rod 64. Rotation of the handle 68relative to the seat frame 28 causes corresponding rotation of the driverod 64 relative to the seat frame 28. The drive rod 64 is rotatablycoupled to drive links 65 (FIGS. 2-4; only one of which is shown in thefigures) which is rotatably coupled to the pantograph linkages 66 suchthat rotation of the drive rod 64 causes the pantograph linkages 66 tomove between the retracted position (FIGS. 1 and 2) and the extendedposition (FIG. 3). The legrest platform 67 is attached to and supportedby the pantograph linkages 66 such that a user may rest his or her legsand/or feet on the legrest platform 67 while sitting in the furnituremember 10 with the legrest mechanism 16 in the extended position.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the pantograph linkages 66 may include afirst support link 70, a swing link 72, a second support link 74, across link 76, a third support link 78, a bracket link 80, and amid-ottoman bracket 82. A first end of the first support link 70 may berotatably coupled to an end of the drive link 65. A second end of thefirst support link 70 is rotatably coupled to a first end of the crosslink 76. An intermediate portion of the first support link 70 (disposedbetween the first and second ends of the support link 70) is rotatablycoupled to an intermediate portion of the swing link 72.

A first end of the swing link 72 may be rotatably coupled to a supportrod 96 that is mounted to the seat frame 28. A second end of the swinglink 72 may be rotatably coupled to a first end of the second supportlink 74. A second end of the second support link 74 is rotatably coupledto a first end of the bracket link 80. An intermediate portion of thesecond support link 74 is rotatably coupled to an intermediate portionof the cross link 76. A second end of the cross link 76 is rotatablycoupled to a first end of the third support link 78. A second end of thethird support link 78 is rotatably coupled to a second end of thebracket link 80. The legrest platform 67 may be fixedly attached to thebracket link 80.

As shown in FIG. 3, the mid-ottoman bracket 82 may support a mid-ottomanplatform 83 such that the mid-ottoman platform 83 is positioned betweenthe seat bottom 32 and the legrest platform 67 when the legrestmechanism 16 is in the extended position. The mid-ottoman bracket 82 maybe fixedly (i.e., non-rotatably) attached to the cross link 76.

As shown in FIGS. 2-7, the pawl assembly 18 may include a support link100, a pawl arm 102, and an actuation link 104. As will be described inmore detail below, the pawl arm 102 engages a ratchet rack 106 when thelegrest mechanism 16 is in the extended position to retain the seatassembly 14 at a selected tilt position (e.g., a tilt position betweenthe nominal and rocked-back tilt positions or between the rocked-forwardand rocked-back tilt positions) and restrict or prevent the seatassembly 14 from rocking relative to the base frame 12. As the legrestmechanism 16 moves into the retracted position, the pawl arm 102disengages from the ratchet rack 106 to allow the seat assembly 14 torock among the nominal, rocked-back, and rocked-forward tilt positions.

As shown in FIGS. 5-9, the support link 100 may be a rigid, elongatedbody including a first end 108 and a second end 110. The first end 108may be rotatably mounted to the front one of the cross members 22 of thebase frame. For example, a bracket 112 may be fixedly mounted to thecross member 22, and the first end 108 of the support link 100 may berotatably attached to the bracket 112 by a pin 114. A torsion spring 116may engage the support link 100 and the bracket 112 and may bias thesupport link 100 in a first rotational direction (i.e., in a clockwisedirection when viewed from the frame of reference of FIG. 2) relative tothe cross member 22.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a noise damper 118 may be mounted to the bodyof the support link 100 between the first and second ends 108, 110. Thedamper 118 may be a generally cylindrical protrusion that is fixedlymounted to the support link 100 via a fastener 120 (e.g., an integrallyformed Christmas tree fastener or other barbed or threaded fastener), asshown in FIG. 9. The damper 118 may be formed from a polymeric orelastomeric material (e.g., synthetic or natural rubber or plastic) orany other suitable impact-absorbing and/or sound-deadening material. Insome configurations, the body of the support link 100 may be formed froma metallic material or a rigid plastic material. Therefore, the damper118 may reduce the noise associated with the pawl arm 102 impacting thesupport link 100.

As shown in FIGS. 5-9, the pawl arm 102 may be a rigid body including afirst end 122 and a second end 124. The first end 122 includes an edge126 that is sized to engage a selected one of a plurality of ratchetteeth 128 of the ratchet rack 106, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. The pawlarm 102 may be rotatably coupled to the support link 100 at a firstlocation 130 that is between the first and second ends 122, 124. Forexample, a pin 132 may extend through the second end 110 of the supportlink 100 and through the first location 130 of the pawl arm 102 toconnect the pawl arm 102 to the support link 100 for relative rotationtherebetween. In this manner, the pawl arm 102 is rotatable relative tothe support link 100 between a first rotational position (FIGS. 2, 3, 5,and 6) and a second rotational position (FIGS. 4, 7, and 8). A torsionspring 134 (FIGS. 6 and 9) may engage the support link 100 and the pawlarm 102 and may rotationally bias the pawl arm 102 relative to thesupport link 100 in a second rotational direction (i.e., incounterclockwise direction when viewed from the frame of reference ofFIG. 2) toward the first rotational position.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the pawl arm 102 may include a generallycylindrical recess 136 formed therein. The recess 136 may be sized toreceive at least a portion of the damper 118 on the support link 100when the pawl arm 102 is in the first rotational position. An axial endsurface 138 of the damper 118 may contact a surface 140 of the pawl arm102 (i.e., an axial end surface that defines an axial end of the recess136), as shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 8, when the pawl arm 102 isin the second rotational position relative to the support link 100, theaxial end surfaces 138, 140 are spaced apart from each other, and thedamper 118 may be disposed outside of the recess 136.

As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the actuation link 104 may be rotatably coupledto the pawl arm 102 and to a crank link 142. That is, a first end 144 ofthe actuation link 104 may extend through a slot 145 and may berotatably coupled to a second location 131 on the pawl arm 102 via a pin146. A second end 148 of the actuation link 104 is rotatably coupled tothe crank link 142 via a pin 150. The crank link 142 is rotationallyfixed to the drive rod 64.

The second location 131 on the pawl arm 102 may be disposed at or nearthe second end 124 of the pawl arm 102. The first location 130 on thepawl arm 102 (i.e., the location at which the pawl arm 102 is rotatablyconnected to the support link 100) is disposed between the secondlocation 131 and the first end 122 of the pawl arm 102. That is, asshown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a first rotational axis A1 (i.e., a rotationalaxis defined by the pin 132 about which the pawl arm 102 is rotatablyrelative to the support link 100) is disposed between the first end 122and a second rotational axis A2 (i.e., a rotational axes defined by pin146 about which the pawl arm 102 and the actuation link 104 arerotatable relative to each other). Having the actuation link 104rotationally connected to the pawl arm 102 and positioning the firstrotational axis A1 between the first end 122 and the second rotationalaxis A2 such that the second rotational axis is disposed verticallybelow the first rotational axis A1 reduces the amount of force requiredto rotate the pawl arm 102 to disengage the pawl arm 102 from theratchet rack 106, which reduces the amount of force that the user mustexert to rotate the handle 68 to release the seat assembly 14 from aselected tilt position and move the legrest mechanism 16 toward theretracted position. This positioning also provides for smoother (i.e.,less jarring) disengagement between the pawl arm 102 and the ratchetrack 106. That is, the actuation link 104 pulling directly on the pawlarm 102 and the relative positioning of the first and second rotationalaxes A1, A2 described above results in a more gradually release of theenergy stored in the rocker springs when the pawl arm 102 disengagesfrom the pawl rack 106. Furthermore, the rotating motion of the pawl arm102 relative to the ratchet rack 106 (i.e., the end 122 of the pawl arm102 rotating along and in contact with one of the teeth 128 of theratchet rack 106) as the pawl arm 102 moves towards disengagement fromthe ratchet rack 106 helps to more gradually release energy stored inthe rocker springs when the pawl arm 102 disengages from the pawl rack106.

The relative positioning of the first and second rotational axes A1, A2also slows the snapping back of the pawl arm 102 relative to the supportlink 100. That is, after the pawl arm 102 disengages the ratchet rack106, the spring 134 will rotationally urge the pawl arm 102 and supportlink 100 relative to each other toward a position in which the damper118 is in contact with the pawl arm 102 (e.g., such that the damper 118is received inside of the recess 136). The relative positioning of thefirst and second rotational axes A1, A2 described above slows thatrelative rotational movement between the pawl arm 102 and the supportlink 100 after the pawl arm 102 disengages the ratchet rack 106 toreduce the noise generated when the pawl arm 102 impacts the damper 118.

The ratchet rack 106 shown in FIGS. 2-5 and 10 may be a unitary bodymolded and/or otherwise formed from a polymeric material, for example.The ratchet rack 106 may include a plurality of threaded apertures 152(FIG. 10) that may receive threaded fasteners (not shown) that fixedlyattach the ratchet rack 106 to a front panel 154 (FIGS. 2-4) of the seatbase 38 of the seat assembly 14.

FIGS. 11 and 12 depict a ratchet rack assembly 206 that can beincorporated into the furniture member 10 instead of the ratchet rack106. The ratchet rack assembly 206 may include a ratchet rack 208 and abracket 210. The bracket 210 can be fixedly attached to the front panel154 of the seat base 38 by a plurality of threaded fasteners (notshown), for example, that may extend through apertures in tabs 212. Thebracket 210 may include a first bracket end 214 and a second bracket end216. Sidewalls 218 extend from the first bracket end 214 toward thesecond bracket end 216. The sidewalls 218 cooperate with a base 219 ofthe bracket 210 to define a channel 221 in which the ratchet rack 208may be at least partially received. Each of the sidewalls 218 mayinclude an aperture 220 (FIG. 12) disposed at or near the first bracketend 214. The apertures 220 are sized and shaped to slidably receive apin (e.g., a non-threaded pin) 222. The second bracket end 216 mayinclude a tab 224 having a generally rectangular aperture 226.

The ratchet rack 208 may include a first rack end 228 and a second rackend 230. The first rack end 228 may include an aperture 232 that issized and shaped to receive the pin 222 such that when the aperture 232is aligned with the apertures 220, the pin 222 can be inserted throughthe apertures 220, 232, as shown in FIG. 11. A cap nut or a push nut 234may be pressed onto the end of the pin 222 to prevent the pin 222 fromunintentionally sliding out of the apertures 220, 232. The second rackend 230 may include a tab 236 that is received in the aperture 226 inthe second bracket end 224 prior to inserting the pin 222 through theapertures 220, 232. The construction of the ratchet rack assembly 206described above allows for the ratchet rack 208 to be quickly attachedto and removed from the seat base 38 (e.g., for assembling, repairing orreplacing the ratchet rack 208). In some configurations, the bracket 210may be formed from a metallic material and the ratchet rack 208 may beformed from a polymeric or elastomeric material. The polymeric orelastomeric material of the ratchet rack 208 can reduce the noiseassociated with contact and friction between the pawl arm 102 and theratchet rack 206.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-18, another pawl assembly 318 is provided thatmay be incorporated into the furniture member 10 instead of the pawlassembly 18. The structure and function of the pawl assembly 318 may besimilar or identical to that of the pawl assembly 18, apart from anydifferences described below and/or shown in the figures. Therefore,similar features may not be described again in detail.

Like the pawl assembly 18, the pawl assembly 318 may include a supportlink 400, a pawl arm 402, and an actuation link 404. As with the pawlassembly 18, the pawl arm 402 engages the ratchet rack 106 (or theratchet 208) when the legrest mechanism 16 is in the extended positionto retain the seat assembly 14 at a selected tilt position and restrictor prevent the seat assembly 14 from rocking relative to the base frame12. As the legrest mechanism 16 moves into the retracted position, thepawl arm 402 disengages from the ratchet rack 106 (or the ratchet 208)to allow the seat assembly 14 to rock among the nominal, rocked-back,and rocked-forward tilt positions.

The support link 400 may be similar or identical to the support link 100described above. Like the support link 100, the support link 400 isrotatably attached to a bracket 412. A torsion spring 416 may engage thesupport link 400 and the bracket 412 and may bias the support link 400in a first rotational direction (i.e., in a clockwise direction whenviewed from the frame of reference of FIG. 13) relative to the crossmember 22. As shown in FIGS. 16-18, the support link 400 may alsoinclude a noise damper 418 (similar or identical to damper 118).

The pawl arm 402 may be a rigid body including a first end 422 and asecond end 424. The first end 422 includes an edge that is sized toengage a selected one of a plurality of ratchet teeth 128 of the ratchetrack 106, as shown in FIG. 13. In some configurations, the first end 422may include a cap or sleeve 423 (shown in FIG. 18) that is formed from adifferent material (e.g., a polymeric or elastomeric material) than therest of the pawl arm 402. The cap or sleeve 423 can reduce the noiseassociated with engagement and friction between the pawl arm 402 and theratchet rack 106.

The pawl arm 402 may include a connecting arm 403 that extends from aportion of the pawl arm 402 disposed between the first and second ends422, 424. A first end of the connecting arm 403 may be attached to thepawl arm 402 by a barbed fastener 405 (e.g., a Christmas tree fastener).In some configurations, an elastomeric damper 407 may be sandwichedbetween the pawl arm 402 and the first end of the connecting arm 403. Anintermediate portion of the connecting arm 403 may be rotatably coupledto the support link 400. For example, a pin 432 may extend through anend of the support link 400 and through the intermediate portion of theconnecting arm 403 to connect the pawl arm 402 to the support link 400for relative rotation therebetween. In this manner, the pawl arm 402 isrotatable relative to the support link 400 between a first rotationalposition (FIGS. 13, 14 and 18) and a second rotational position (FIGS.15-17). A torsion spring 434 (FIG. 18) may engage the support link 400and the pawl arm 402 and may rotationally bias the pawl arm 402 relativeto the support link 400 in a second rotational direction (i.e., incounterclockwise direction when viewed from the frame of reference ofFIG. 18) toward the first rotational position.

As shown in FIG. 18, an axial end surface 438 of the damper 418 maycontact a surface 440 of the second end 424 of the pawl arm 402. Asshown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when the pawl arm 402 is in the secondrotational position relative to the support link 400, the damper 418 isspaced apart from the surface 440.

As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the actuation link 404 may be rotatably coupledto a second end of the connecting arm 403 and to a crank link 442(similar or identical to crank link 142). That is, a first end 444 ofthe actuation link 404 may be rotatably coupled to second end of theconnecting arm 403 via a pin 446. A second end 448 of the actuation link404 is rotatably coupled to the crank link 442 via a pin 450. The cranklink 442 is rotationally fixed to the drive rod 64.

As shown in FIG. 14, a first rotational axis A1 (i.e., a rotational axisdefined by the pin 432 about which the pawl arm 402 is rotatablyrelative to the support link 400) is disposed between the first end 422and a second rotational axis A2 (i.e., a rotational axes defined by pin446 about which the pawl arm 402 and the actuation link 404 arerotatable relative to each other). Having the actuation link 404rotationally connected to the pawl arm 402 and positioning the firstrotational axis A1 between the first end 422 and the second rotationalaxis A2 such that the second rotational axis A2 is disposed verticallybelow the first rotational axis A1 reduces the amount of force requiredto rotate the pawl arm 402 to disengage the pawl arm 402 from theratchet rack 106, which reduces the amount of force that the user mustexert to rotate the handle 68 to release the seat assembly 14 from aselected tilt position and move the legrest mechanism 16 toward theretracted position. This positioning also provides for smoother (i.e.,less jarring) disengagement between the pawl arm 402 and the ratchetrack 106. That is, the actuation link 404 pulling on the pawl arm 402and the relative positioning of the first and second rotational axes A1,A2 described above results in a more gradually release of the energystored in the rocker springs when the pawl arm 402 disengages from thepawl rack 106, 208. Furthermore, as described above, the rotating motionof the pawl arm 402 relative to the ratchet rack 106, 208 (i.e., the end422 of the pawl arm 402 rotating along and in contact with one of theteeth 128 of the ratchet rack 106, 208) as the pawl arm 402 movestowards disengagement from the ratchet rack 106, 208 helps to moregradually release energy stored in the rocker springs when the pawl arm402 disengages from the ratchet rack 106, 208.

The relative positioning of the first and second rotational axes A1, A2also slows the snapping back of the pawl arm 402 relative to the supportlink 400. That is, after the pawl arm 402 disengages the ratchet rack106, the spring 434 will rotationally urge the pawl arm 402 and supportlink 400 relative to each other toward a position in which the damper418 is in contact with the pawl arm 402. The relative positioning of thefirst and second rotational axes A1, A2 described above slows thatrelative rotational movement between the pawl arm 402 and the supportlink 400 after the pawl arm 402 disengages the ratchet rack 106 toreduce the noise generated when the pawl arm 402 impacts the damper 418.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-24, another pawl assembly 518 is provided thatmay be incorporated into the furniture member 10 instead of the pawlassembly 18. The structure and function of the pawl assembly 518 may besimilar or identical to that of the pawl assembly 18, 318, apart fromany differences described below and/or shown in the figures. Therefore,similar features may not be described again in detail.

Like the pawl assemblies 18, 318, the pawl assembly 518 may include asupport link 600, a pawl arm 602, and an actuation link 604. As with thepawl assemblies 18, 318, the pawl arm 602 engages the ratchet rack 106(or the ratchet 208) when the legrest mechanism 16 is in the extendedposition to retain the seat assembly 14 at a selected tilt position andrestrict or prevent the seat assembly 14 from rocking relative to thebase frame 12. As the legrest mechanism 16 moves into the retractedposition, the pawl arm 602 disengages from the ratchet rack 106 (or theratchet 208) to allow the seat assembly 14 to rock among the nominal,rocked-back, and rocked-forward tilt positions.

Like the support link 100, the support link 600 is rotatably attached toa bracket 612 mounted to the cross member 22. A torsion spring 616 mayengage the support link 600 and the bracket 612 and may bias the supportlink 600 in a first rotational direction (i.e., in a clockwise directionwhen viewed from the frame of reference of FIG. 19) relative to thecross member 22. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the support link 600 mayalso include a noise damper 618 (similar or identical to damper 118).

The pawl arm 602 may be a rigid body including a first end 622 and asecond end 624. The first end 622 includes an edge that is sized toengage a selected one of a plurality of ratchet teeth 128 of the ratchetrack 106, as shown in FIG. 19. The pawl arm 602 may be rotatably coupledto the support link 600 at a location that is between the first andsecond ends 622, 624. For example, a pin 632 may extend through the endof the support link 600 and through the pawl arm 602 to connect the pawlarm 602 to the support link 600 for relative rotation therebetween. Inthis manner, the pawl arm 602 is rotatable relative to the support link600 between a first rotational position (FIGS. 19, 20, and 24) and asecond rotational position (FIGS. 21-23). A torsion spring 634 (FIG. 24)may engage the support link 600 and the pawl arm 602 and mayrotationally bias the pawl arm 602 relative to the support link 600 in asecond rotational direction (i.e., in counterclockwise direction whenviewed from the frame of reference of FIG. 18) toward the firstrotational position.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the pawl arm 602 may include a generallycylindrical recess 636 formed therein. The recess 636 may be sized toreceive at least a portion of the damper 618 on the support link 600when the pawl arm 602 is in the first rotational position. An axial endsurface 638 of the damper 618 may contact a surface 640 of the pawl arm602 (i.e., an axial end surface that defines an axial end of the recess636), as shown in FIG. 24. As shown in FIG. 23, when the pawl arm 602 isin the second rotational position relative to the support link 600, theaxial end surfaces 638, 640 are spaced apart from each other, and thedamper 618 may be disposed outside of the recess 636.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, the actuation link 604 may be rotatablycoupled to the support link 600 and to a crank link 642 (similar oridentical to crank link 142). That is, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 22, afirst end 644 of the actuation link 604 may be rotatably coupled to ahook 605 formed on the support link 600. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, asecond end 648 of the actuation link 604 is rotatably coupled to thecrank link 642 via a pin 650. The crank link 642 is rotationally fixedto the drive rod 64.

In some configurations, the ratchet rack 106, 208 is formed from adifferent material than a material from which at least the first end122, 422, 622 of the pawl arm 102, 402, 602 is formed. For example, someor all of the pawl arm 102, 402, 602 could be formed from a polymeric orcomposite material, and the ratchet rack 106, 208 could be formed from ametallic material. As another example, some or all of the pawl arm 102,402, 602 could be formed from a metallic material, and the ratchet rack106, 208 could be formed from a polymeric or composite material. Thedissimilar materials of the portions of the pawl arm 102, 402, 602 andratchet rack 106, 208 that contact each other can reduce the noiseassociated with contact and friction therebetween.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A furniture member comprising: a base frame; aseat assembly including a seat frame, a seat bottom, and a seat back,the seat assembly movable relative to the base frame between a nominalposition and a rearward-tilt position, the seat frame including aratchet rack having a plurality of ratchet teeth; a legrest mechanismmounted to the seat assembly and movable relative to the seat assemblybetween a retracted position and an extended position; and a pawlassembly including a support link, a pawl arm, and an actuation link,the support link is rotatably coupled to the base frame, the pawl arm isrotatably attached to the support link and selectively engages theratchet teeth, the actuation link is attached to the pawl arm and iscoupled to the legrest mechanism such that movement of the legrestmechanism into the extended position moves the pawl arm into engagementwith the ratchet rack and movement of the legrest mechanism toward theretracted position causes rotation of the pawl arm relative to thesupport link and disengages the pawl arm from the ratchet rack.
 2. Thefurniture member of claim 1, wherein an end of the pawl arm selectivelyengages one of the ratchet teeth, wherein the pawl arm includes a firstlocation at which the pawl arm is rotatably attached to the support linkand a second location at which the actuation link is rotatably attachedto the pawl arm, and wherein the first location is disposed between thesecond location and the end of the pawl arm.
 3. The furniture member ofclaim 1, wherein the pawl assembly includes a first spring rotationallybiasing the support link relative to the base frame and a second springrotationally biasing the pawl arm relative to the support link.
 4. Thefurniture member of claim 1, wherein: the support link includes aprotrusion, the pawl arm includes a recess, when the pawl arm is in afirst rotational position relative to the support link, a portion of theprotrusion is received within the recess and contacts a surface of thepawl arm defining the recess, and when the pawl arm is in a secondrotational position relative to the support link, the portion of thesurface of the protrusion is disposed outside of the recess and isspaced apart from the surface of the pawl arm defining the recess. 5.The furniture member of claim 4, wherein the protrusion is formed from afirst material, and wherein a body of the support link to which theprotrusion is attached is formed from a second material that isdifferent than the first material.
 6. The furniture member of claim 5,wherein the first material is an elastomeric material or a polymericmaterial.
 7. The furniture member of claim 1, wherein the seat assemblyis free to rock relative to the base frame between the nominal andrearward-tilt positions when the legrest mechanism is in the retractedposition, and wherein engagement between the pawl arm and one of theratchet teeth restricts rocking relative to the base frame between thenominal and rearward-tilt positions when the legrest mechanism is in theextended position.
 8. The furniture member of claim 1, wherein the seatframe includes a bracket having a first bracket end and a second bracketend, wherein the ratchet rack includes a first rack end and a secondrack end, wherein a pin extends through apertures in the first bracketend and the first rack end, and wherein a tab formed on the second rackend is received in an aperture formed in the second bracket end.
 9. Thefurniture member of claim 1, wherein the pawl arm is rotatable relativeto the support link about a first rotational axis, wherein the pawl armand the actuation link are rotatable relative to each other about asecond rotational axis, and wherein the first rotational axis isdisposed vertically between the second rotational axis and an end of thepawl arm that engages the ratchet rack.
 10. The furniture member ofclaim 1, wherein the ratchet rack is formed from a different materialthan a material from which at least an end of the pawl arm is formed.11. The furniture member of claim 1, wherein an end of the pawl armengages a tooth of the ratchet rack when the legrest mechanism is in theextended position, and wherein the end of the pawl arm rotates along thetooth of the ratchet rack to disengage the pawl arm from the ratchetrack as the legrest mechanism moves toward the retracted position.
 12. Afurniture member comprising: a base frame; a seat assembly including aseat frame, a seat bottom, and a seat back, the seat assembly movablerelative to the base frame between a nominal position and arearward-tilt position, the seat frame including a ratchet rack having aplurality of ratchet teeth; a legrest mechanism mounted to the seatassembly and movable relative to the seat assembly between a retractedposition and an extended position; and a pawl assembly including asupport link and a pawl arm, the support link is rotatably coupled tothe base frame and includes a protrusion, the pawl arm is rotatablyattached to the support link and selectively engages the ratchet teeth,wherein the pawl arm is rotatably relative to the support link between afirst rotational position in which the protrusion contacts the pawl armand a second rotational position in which the protrusion is spaced apartfrom the pawl arm.
 13. The furniture member of claim 12, wherein theprotrusion is formed from a first material, and wherein a body of thesupport link to which the protrusion is attached is formed from a secondmaterial that is different than the first material.
 14. The furnituremember of claim 13, wherein the first material of the protrusion is anelastomeric material or a polymeric material.
 15. The furniture memberof claim 13, wherein the pawl assembly includes an actuation link, andwherein the actuation link is attached to the pawl arm and is coupled tothe legrest mechanism such that movement of the legrest mechanism intothe extended position moves the pawl arm into engagement with theratchet rack and movement of the legrest mechanism toward the retractedposition causes rotation of the pawl arm relative to the support linkand disengages the pawl arm from the ratchet rack.
 16. The furnituremember of claim 15, wherein the pawl arm includes a recess, wherein aportion of the protrusion is received within the recess when the pawlarm is in the first rotational position, and wherein the portion of theprotrusion is disposed outside of the recess when the pawl arm is in thesecond rotational position.
 17. The furniture member of claim 16,wherein an end of the pawl arm selectively engages one of the ratchetteeth, wherein the pawl arm includes a first location at which the pawlarm is rotatably attached to the support link and a second location atwhich the actuation link is rotatably attached to the pawl arm, andwherein the first location is disposed between the second location andthe end of the pawl arm.
 18. The furniture member of claim 17, whereinthe pawl assembly includes a first spring rotationally biasing thesupport link relative to the base frame and a second spring rotationallybiasing the pawl arm relative to the support link.
 19. The furnituremember of claim 18, wherein the seat assembly is free to rock relativeto the base frame between the nominal and rearward-tilt positions whenthe legrest mechanism is in the retracted position, and whereinengagement between the pawl arm and one of the ratchet teeth restrictsrocking relative to the base frame between the nominal and rearward-tiltpositions when the legrest mechanism is in the extended position. 20.The furniture member of claim 19, wherein the pawl arm is rotatablerelative to the support link about a first rotational axis, wherein thepawl arm and the actuation link are rotatable relative to each otherabout a second rotational axis, and wherein the first rotational axis isdisposed vertically between the second rotational axis and an end of thepawl arm that engages the ratchet rack.
 21. The furniture member ofclaim 12, wherein the seat frame includes a bracket having a firstbracket end and a second bracket end, wherein the ratchet rack includesa first rack end and a second rack end, wherein a pin extends throughapertures in the first bracket end and the first rack end, and wherein atab formed on the second rack end is received in an aperture formed inthe second bracket end.
 22. The furniture member of claim 12, whereinthe pawl assembly includes an actuation link, wherein the actuation linkis attached to the support link and is coupled to the legrest mechanismsuch that movement of the legrest mechanism into the extended positionmoves the support link, which moves the pawl arm into engagement withthe ratchet rack, and wherein movement of the legrest mechanism towardthe retracted position disengages the pawl arm from the ratchet rack.23. The furniture member of claim 12, wherein the ratchet rack is formedfrom a different material than a material from which at least an end ofthe pawl arm is formed.
 24. The furniture member of claim 12, wherein anend of the pawl arm engages a tooth of the ratchet rack when the legrestmechanism is in the extended position, and wherein the end of the pawlarm rotates along the tooth of the ratchet rack to disengage the pawlarm from the ratchet rack as the legrest mechanism moves toward theretracted position.
 25. A furniture member comprising: a base frame; aseat assembly including a seat frame, a seat bottom, and a seat back,the seat assembly movable relative to the base frame between a nominalposition and a rearward-tilt position, the seat frame including aratchet rack having a plurality of ratchet teeth; a legrest mechanismmounted to the seat assembly and movable relative to the seat assemblybetween a retracted position and an extended position; and a pawlassembly including a support link, a pawl arm, and an actuation link,the support link is rotatably coupled to the base frame, the pawl arm isrotatably attached to the support link and selectively engages one ofthe ratchet teeth, the actuation link is attached to the pawl arm and iscoupled to the legrest mechanism such that movement of the legrestmechanism into the extended position moves the pawl arm into engagementwith the ratchet rack and movement of the legrest mechanism toward theretracted position causes rotation of the pawl arm relative to thesupport link and disengages the pawl arm from the ratchet rack, whereina protrusion extends from the support link in a direction perpendicularto an axis about which the pawl arm is rotatable relative to the supportlink, and wherein the pawl arm is rotatably relative to the support linkbetween a first rotational position in which the protrusion contacts thepawl arm and a second rotational position in which the protrusion isspaced apart from the pawl arm.
 26. The furniture member of claim 25,wherein the seat frame includes a bracket having a first bracket end anda second bracket end, wherein the ratchet rack includes a first rack endand a second rack end, wherein a pin extends through apertures in thefirst bracket end and the first rack end, and wherein a tab formed onthe second rack end is received in an aperture formed in the secondbracket end.
 27. The furniture member of claim 25, wherein an end of thepawl arm selectively engages one of the ratchet teeth, wherein the pawlarm includes a first location at which the pawl arm is rotatablyattached to the support link and a second location at which theactuation link is rotatably attached to the pawl arm, and wherein thefirst location is disposed between the second location and the end ofthe pawl arm.
 28. The furniture member of claim 25, wherein the pawl armincludes a recess, wherein a portion of the protrusion is receivedwithin the recess when the pawl arm is in the first rotational position,and wherein the portion of the protrusion is disposed outside of therecess when the pawl arm is in the second rotational position.
 29. Thefurniture member of claim 25, wherein the pawl assembly includes a firstspring rotationally biasing the support link relative to the base frameand a second spring rotationally biasing the pawl arm relative to thesupport link.
 30. The furniture member of claim 25, wherein theprotrusion is formed from an elastomeric material or a polymericmaterial.
 31. The furniture member of claim 25, wherein the pawl arm isrotatable relative to the support link about a first rotational axis,wherein the pawl arm and the actuation link are rotatable relative toeach other about a second rotational axis, and wherein the firstrotational axis is disposed vertically between the second rotationalaxis and an end of the pawl arm that engages the ratchet rack.
 32. Thefurniture member of claim 25, wherein the ratchet rack is formed from adifferent material than a material from which at least an end of thepawl arm is formed.
 33. The furniture member of claim 25, wherein an endof the pawl arm engages a tooth of the ratchet rack when the legrestmechanism is in the extended position, and wherein the end of the pawlarm rotates along the tooth of the ratchet rack to disengage the pawlarm from the ratchet rack as the legrest mechanism moves toward theretracted position.